Ballin-Smith, B., ed. (2009). STAC. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. https://doi.org/10.5284/1017938.

This chapter presents the background to the project, previous work and team structure.

This chapter provides a brief summary of the research design and outlines the criteria used to select sites for further study.

The results of the survey are presented clockwise from the south-west. All place name spellings are in Gaelic as produced by the Ordnance Survey in the current map edition.

This chapter presents a physical description, details of location, extent of erosion, method of access to the stack and an account of previous work. A linear and large drystone rectangular wall or blockhouse enclosed at least six structures on top of the stack. These structures consisted of curving lines of turf-covered wall footings, supported by revetment walls at the cliff edge. There are no exposed and eroding soil layers as the plateau of the stack is above the reach of most wave action. The deterioration is caused by the undermining of structural remains which collapse as the underlying rock gives way.

This chapter presents details of location, physical description of the stack, extent of erosion, method of access and previous work. There are no obvious structures on the stack, but archaeological deposits were visible in a series of eroding scars. These scars were scattered through many little ramps and terraces on the steepest landward face. Close examination showed the terraces to be supported by walls and revetments often running along the contours of the stack and making use of natural outcrops. A total of 48 sherds including decorated Neolithic examples were recovered along with 5 stone tools, butchered bone and charcoal. A trial excavation is described elsewhere in this report.

This chapter presents details of physical description, location, extent of erosion, method of access and previous work. Five structures and an enclosing wall were identified in the survey. There is no evidence to support the assertion that there is an early Christian presence on the stack. Pottery of Neolithic date was recovered during previous work.

This chapter provides details of physical description, location, extent of erosion and method of access. No previous work has been carried out. The survey identified five structures. The site is likely to be destroyed by erosion in the next decade.

The site was as described by the RCAHMS, with one building taking up the whole of the summit. This building had three compartments, and an access track wound steeply up the west face of the stack leading straight to the entrance of the main compartment. This is one of the few possible medieval castle in the isle of Lewis.

The surveys have highlighted a number of academic and practical issues crucial to our understanding and management of the monuments. Of first importance is the fact that, with care and even limited resources, such sites can be safely accessed, and can therefore be subject to more detailed research. Both survey and excavation on such sites are practical propositions, and there is therefore little excuse for the neglect of them as a class of monument. Although these monuments are located on the interface between land and sea, and are therefore, as a class, particularly vulnerable to erosion, it cannot be assumed that they are all actively eroding. Nor can assumptions be made about which aspects or areas of even the eroding sites are most at risk. Each monument must be subject to individual assessment and monitoring in order to determine which aspects, if any, of its archaeology are under threat or in the process of destruction.

Dunasbroc was chosen for further investigation because it was threatened by further erosion, and had already produced both Neolithic and Iron Age pottery, but it was relatively easy to access. Excavation aims and methodology are outlined in this section.

There is unambiguous evidence from the two small excavation areas on the stack for intensive Neolithic use of the site in the form of ceramics, lithics and a truncated posthole. The Iron Age deposits yielded only a small number of diagnostic finds though radiocarbon dates provide a date range of 210-50 cl BC.

Specialist report on the pottery from all the sites investigated.

Specialist report on 96 pieces of earlier Neolithic date from Dunasbroc.